Avalanches

An avalanche occurs when a layer of snow loses its grip on a slope and slides downhill. Avalanches have killed more than 190 people in the past century in Washington State, exceeding deaths from any other natural hazard.

One of the nation's worst avalanche disasters occurred in 1910 when massive avalanches hit two trains stopped on the west side of Stevens Pass; 96 people were killed. Avalanches kill one to two people, on average, every year in Washington, although many more are involved in avalanche accidents that do not result in fatalities.

Since 1985, avalanches have killed 33 people. Most current avalanche victims are participating in recreational activities in the backcountry where there is no avalanche control. Only one-tenth of one percent of avalanche fatalities occurs on open runs at ski areas or on highways.

Educational resources

Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia
Don't know anything about a topic? Start here and find some general articles to get you started. This is suitable for upper elementary and older, as it does not include pictures.